Personal Progress Night

I'm currently serving as the Young Women Personal Progress Leader in my ward. On 5th Wednesdays, they have personal progress night. I knew there would be low attendance because it's summertime and half of sugar creek ward takes off to spend the summer out west. My goal was to make the activity fun, productive, and to fire the yw up about personal progress. 

I showed a 5 minute clip from the movie, Matilda. 

This particular scene takes place at a terrible school where a terrible headmistress, Ms Trunchbold, discovers a piece of her precious chocolate cake has been stolen and eaten by little Bruce Bogtrotter. "Much too good for children." She says. 

In an effort to publicly shame Brucie for his gluttonous misdemeanor, Ms Trunchbold calls an assembly and forces all the children to watch Bruce choke down a cake the size of a 30 lb turkey. 

 He gets like 90% through the cake and then starts to give up. It's pretty hilarious.

Ms Trunchbold stands over his shoulder feeding him oppressive negativity, calling him a failure and telling him he'll never do it. He can't do it. 

Bruce starts to look pretty bad. He's about to give up. Or throw up. 

Then, just as he's about to blow and Ms Trunchbold is thrilled at her successful hand in his Bruce's inevitable humiliating defeat, Matilda stands up in the crowd and shouts,  "Come on, brucie, you can do it! Eat that cake!" 

Another voice from the crowd, "yeah Bruce, be a hero!" 

And then the audience goes wild with support and chants "Bruce, Bruce Bruce!" So Bruce Bogtrotter gets all fired up, runs up to the front of the stage. He goes after the cake face first and finishes it like a crazy beast. Then he holds the giant empty cake pan up over his head like the Stanley cup in victory and everyone cheers. It's pretty awesome. 

What can we learn from Bruce Bogtrotter? The average American eats a total of about 4 whole cakes every year.  

No one should attempt to eat a 30 lb cake in one sitting. The personal progress program was not designed to be shoved and crammed in in one month as a graduating Laurel, either, but instead, spaced out over 4-6 years to assist in spiritual growth. It's not a checklist of requirements. It is a process.

 We don't eat 4 cakes in one sitting, and then hope to forget about the whole thing. We eat a slice or two at the birthdays and celebrations of people we love and share our lives with. We create lasting memories over cake. 

I don't want these girls to look at personal progress as a huge, impossible feat that they'll never accomplish. Bruce handled his cake with Ms Trunchbold over his shoulder like the adversary, telling him it's too hard, too much. He'll never make it. Satan will do anything to prevent these girls from strengthening their relationships with Jesus Christ. Satan whispers failure and defeat because he knows we can do all things through Christ. 

I want to be Matilda for these girls, shouting and cheering through the crowd of doubts, 

"Come on, Brucie, you can do it!" 

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. 

I gave them a "cake menu" (spreadsheet made by the talented Kasey) with all of the value experiences on it, broken down by how much time should be invested in each. So many YW want to work on personal progress, but just have a hard time getting going. Last nights challenge was to just take a bite of the cake. Or dish up a slice. They can look at their summer calendar and if they see a few busy weeks ahead, maybe they'l work on an experience that was designed to be done in one Sunday afternoon, or maybe they see an unscheduled July and want to focus on a value experience that involves a 4 week spiritual feast.  Wherever they are, they can take a bite. 

Look at Brucie.  How great is that chocolate covered face?! 

He did it! And so can you, girls.

After the message, I had a cake decorating activity planned for them.  I baked a dozen individual cakes and colored buttercream frosting in every color of the rainbow. We had fun creating together. 

Sloane and Gigi

Being the youngest of 5 children, with a pretty significant age gap between myself and my siblings, I always wondered if my children would have cousins their age. Somehow, we lucked out, and they do! These two are such cute cousins! They are so different and so alike. It was fun to have two little honey badger divas running around. These girls know the world revolves around them and they let everyone know it! 

Check out the hand holding. Adorable! 

June at Fort Willy

01. Days For Girls Service Project

Remember our underwear drive for Days for Girls? WELL thanks to friends and family and primary teachers who really came through to show support, the Willy kids collected 297 pair of girls briefs! 297! 

We sorted them by size and removed about 30 pair with words or animal prints on them (can't go through customs) and donated them to the NWA children's shelter. Kasey took all the white briefs and dyed them a lovely deep purple. 

The underwear then went to the bentonville stake girls camp where, along with all the other collected components, they were assembled into 250 Days for Girls kits! 250 girls in school. 250 women with their dignity. 250 females with better personal hygeine. 250 girls got their days back. 

02. What the?! Too soon! 

We seem to be entering a new phase in the Willardson house and I'm unsure how I feel about it. Reese and Quincy are suddenly a little boy crazy. Reese is quiet about her crushes to the general public, but I am now privy to her feelings of affection toward a few boys in our ward. I try to embarrass her just the right amount to help her lighten up a bit. It seems to be working and she's pretty open now about her feelings. Hopefully getting her to crack won't have some sort of Pandora's box effect and morph her into some kind of hormonal kraken. 

Quincy, on the other hand...oh boy. 

Here she is dramatically telling her damsel's tale of a cut toe to the lifeguard at the pool. Her delight in his attention is only minimally hilarious and mostly just terrifies me. 

 But Quincy had big plans to marry Landan, a boy in our ward. She's loved him since the day she met him. One day after kindergarten the kids were loading into our vans side by side, and she shouted out her window at the top of her lungs, "don't forget that you love me, Landan! I know it!" To which he yelled back, "you couldn't pay me a million dollars!" 

But Quincy will not be deterred. Years later, she now has recruited Landan's older sister and most of the Shaw family to work as accomplices in her master plan. Delaney got him to "agree to marry you someday" to which Quincy requested a "promise" be made, and then she dressed up to accept this agreement. 

Oh the grey hairs! 

03. Metal Mouth 

This beauty got the rest of her top brackets and a mouth full of bottom braces yesterday. She looks too mature for me to be happy about it, and she is in a lot of pain. Ice cream for everyone. Isn't she lovely? 

04. Something old that's something new

Reese is signed up for orchestra, next year and I found this great little used violin for her. And little is the perfect description...she fitted for a 1/4 size! It's so tiny and adorable. I had my violin tuned up with a new bridge and had my bow rehaired. I haven't played in like 10 years, so it will be interesting to make an attempt to play, but I'm dying to create music again.  The ENT determined that until I get my deviated septum surgically fixed (not gonna happen, who has time for that?) and my allergies under control (basically impossible in NWA) then the nodes on my vocal chords are here to stay. Just call me Demi Moore, because I guess I will have this raspy voice forever! I can't even sing all of the alto notes for most hymns but it's enough. I should just learn the barritone. Hahaha 

I digress. Look at this cute little violin that someone abused and scratched with a pen. I assured Reese that a used violin is actually better than a shiny new one. I had my violin appraised while it was in the shop and the luthier gave us a little history about it. It was made in 1910! Funny thing, when hearing it played by the luthier when I picked it up, I recognized it's rich tambour right away and was filled with familiar warmth. It got goosebumps and thought, yep, that one's mine. Reese and I are excited to start something "new" together. 

05. Operation Brighter Kitchen Update

If funds were unlimited, this kitchen would have been gutted the day we moved in, with more lights and real countertops and non laminate floors and white painted cabinets with seeded glass fronts, and a different shaped island and a window and the fridge and paint and backsplash all done right away, before we moved in.  

But we're realistic and tackling this one project at a time. I actually don't mind doing it this way. Each small (or large) thing we've done to bring light into this cave kitchen has been appreciated so much for the small (or large) difference made.  And we may realize along the way that other things we think the kitchen "needs" aren't really that important or worth spending the money on. 

 I've waited the 3 year timeline for countertops and and soooo very excited for this step. Buh buy dark, melted, broken laminate! If I had a dollar for every time someone has snagged a shirt on the laminate island, I could pay for the granite with with change to spare. Last year, I secured the corners with packing tape and super glue to save our clothes. This year, on a whim one evening, I busted out my trusty crowbar and started ripping out the island. It was very satisfying. 

And even MORE satisfying to discover the tiled floor under the cabinets, and room for an electrician to access to the crawl space! Best surprise ever! It was 10pm and I'm shouting, "Quick! Aaron! Get in here! I don't believe it! They installed the island after they did the floors!" And Aaron replied with feigned excitement, "awesome! Spend less money!" Hahahaha 

Why is the discovery of a finished floor so wonderful? Because now we can add cabinets to the island and change its odd shape. The original kitchen was a galley kitchen, and when reconfigured to be larger in size, the possibility for more storage wasn't really considered. I ran to lowes and picked up 2 more matching base cabinets. Adding 18 inches to the island will have it "face" the proper direction, give me more counter space for cooking, and fill wasted space with drawers! Yay! And that gap between cabinets will host an electrical outlet so I can use a mixer or griddle or crockpot on the island! If the floors hadn't been under there, we wouldn't have been able to add cabinets without pounding out tile...which is the worst job! That big support beam is here to stay, but I'm ok with it. 

I found a granite slab for the countertop, but I need to find a stone fabricator. 

For the backsplash, Aaron and I both really love the look of this white honeycomb hex tile. 

Aaron wants to go for it, but even though I found some half price online, I don't think I can justify the expense. This mini subway tile is still half the cost of the discounted hex tile. 

And I've decided not to paint the cabinets yet. They're still in ok shape in most places, so I don't think it's a necessity right now. The way painted cabinets go, you have to repaint every 5 years or so, and with the hard wear and tear we put on our kitchen, we might as well put it off until the current paint job is at least that old. It's only chipping around the lower cabinets. I can live with that! 

06. Garden update and a recipe 

I just said last week, "I don't think our tomatoes are going to do well this year." We should have early girls by now, and the plants are more spindly than usual. And days later, the spindly plants bushed right out and became strong, thick, leafy plants and blossoms are finally appearing. Coming soon, tomatoes! It will be a late crop, but should be a good one. 

We picked 8 lbs of green beans Monday and have more coming in. The sugar snap peas are so sweet and juicy. Aaron hates them (like most vegetables), but everyone that comes over tells him he's crazy because they are delish! I made roasted green beans last night and they were so good we're making them again tomorrow.

Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Rosemary 

1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans, ends trimmed

Toss with 2 TBS EVOO and 2 inches of snipped up fresh rosemary 

Roast on a parchment lined baking dish for 10 minutes at 425*

Stir and brush with crushed garlic. 

Roast 10 more minutes. 

Devour. 

07. Summer play dates

Our July calendar is busier than ever before with swimming lessons and dr and dentist appointments alone! Sloane and Soren have well checks, 4 kids and 2 parents have cleanings, Q has 3 ENT appointments (she has a bacterial infection that the dr thinks is E. coli in her ear. Wah!).  I know I will be halt to have gotten them done during summer when school starts up. We have squeezed in a few play dates with friends and trips to the pool between the dozens of appointments. These days are priceless to me. I love watching my kids play for hours and hours. On one friend day, we madeiaracord bracelets, I spy bags, snow cones, played beanboozled and basketball mini hoops and had an epic funballz battle in the basement. At one point there were 11 children in my home and the madness was wildly fun. I was exhausted by bedtime and it was so worth it. Being "party mom" is not a sustainable hat I can wear day after day, but I really love the days when I get to put it on. 

08. Time With Lady

My mom was here last week, and we got to pick out carpet, furniture, countertops, and paint for her new house. We met a few contractors and painters and everything is coming together nicely.  The ceilings are being painted this week and then I'm going to go over a couple evenings staring next week and paint the walls. It's such a great house, I can't wait for them to move here. Keep purging stuff, mom and dad! Don't bring it here! ;)

09. Running 

With excessive heat and being sick almost a month, I just about fell off the running wagon. I picked back up last week and it was really hard. My goal at this point is to just maintain a 5 mile "baseline" through this gross summer heat, and then in the fall maybe I will be able to pick up some speed. Or a least be less slow ;) 

10. I read an actual book! 

I'm giving up on my new year goal of reading a book for leisure every month...since its almost July and I've been on page 25 of The Night Circus  since...oh...September? Right now, I don't have the capacity to invest in the characters of a fantasy book, or dive into the supplemental literature that historical fiction will pile onto my "to read" queue. I did, however, really love the Marie Kondo tidying book, and this Memoir also really spoke to me. Perhaps I needed to just change genres. Self help and a mothering memoir. Does this make me a grown up? Am I adulting? I guess so. I loved this book and wish every human to read it. It's hard. Gut wrenching. Empowering. Thought provoking.

11. Heart eyes for this one

 

The note on the entrance: 

12. Board Games

I'm super happy to announce that some of the children have graduated from the candyland years. Our tables are constantly sporting a board game. And with 4 children who can (for the most part) play a board game together, great fun is being had around here. What's funny is that with them graduating from the Candyland years, one might expect the "that's not fair!"  Meltdowns over not winning to dissolve. Instead, the meltdowns have matured too, into accusations of  "they're cheaters!". I kind of love it. Not the disharmony....just that they're in a new phase. They can talk it out and work it out. Or not, and refuse to play until someone lets them win. Either way, it's nice to play Stratego and Uno instead of Candyland. 

13. W

 This lovely jumped into my cart at Hobby Lovby yesterday from the 90% off rack. It's happy in the Willardson home. 

Date Night: Rachel Platten Concert

About once every 12 months, Kasey and I manage to think ahead and coordinate a double date with Aaron and Jimmie. And I say it that way, because the men would probably argue that they're on a date while Kasey and I spend the evening talking away to each other! We made a conscious effort to not forget about them and had a lot of fun at the Rachel Platten concert on Saturday night. 

It was pretty hot and humid outside, but temps cooled off and a hopeful little breeze picked up right before the show began. We were totally comfortable in the shaded seats. Can't beat a $10 concert! It was a good night with good people. 

I think my favorite part of the whole night was when Rachel said, "ok, so they told me to ask you guys to..to 'call the..hogs?' And just like that, the amp lit up with a legit Woo Pig Sooie razorback hog call. She was so delighted she ran to the back of the stage and found a phone and has us do it again so she puts post it on Instagram. When in Arkansas! We were seated just out of this still shot on the left, about 20 rows back. She performed old stuff, new stuff, a few favorites (1,000 ships, fight song), and a couple really well done cover songs. Her backup girl is totally amazing...I felt bad that she will only be known as "the super talented girl from Rachel Platten's band" and not as a credited musician publishing records under her own name/label. But whether it's for the love of music, fame, or income, she shredded it on the guitar, sang vocals, and played keyboard. Good night, fun memories! 

Corbin gives a talk in Primary

This little dreamboat gave a talk in primary on Sunday.  

"This is my special blanket. My friend, Kasei gave this blanket to me as a gift. My blanket keeps me warm, and comforts me when I feel sad, afraid, or sleepy. I wrap up under my blanket and feel safe and good. 

There is another gift who can help is to feel safe and warm: The gift of the Holy Ghost. He helps is when we are sad, hurt, confused, angry, lonely, afraid, or upset. 

One night, there was a really bad thunderstorm. The thunder and lightening  were scary and loud and woke me up. I went to my mom and dad's bedroom and we said a prayer. I felt better as the Holy Ghost comforted me and I went back to sleep.  

The Holy Ghost is called, "the comforter" because he is like a warm blanket of a good friend to comfort us. I am thankful for this special gift." 

Fathers Day

Aaron is the best dad. For Father's Day, he was appropriately showered with affection from his biggest fans. The men were served a special brunch at church, and when we came home we grilled tri tip steaks with sweet potatoes and assorted squash from the garden. 

Q made this card. The Cheerios are "donuts". "Donut" you think Dad is the best?!" 

We each gave him a pair of wild socks (his new favorite thing) and he now has a sweet "summer collection" of socks with lobsters, ice cream cones, and popsicles on them.   

Aaron, you're the greatest. Our children are so lucky to have such a fun and doting father. I love the way you cheerfully round up as many kids who want to "go with dad" on whatever errands you're running on Saturdays. I love the joy and calm you bring with you when you come home from work each night. I love the example of selfless consecrated service and obedience you set for your family. I love that you gather your family to pray every morning and night. I love that you teach our children, by example, to love and respect their mother. I love that you work hard and play hard. You are the calm and steady captain of this crazy ship and I could never have sailed through some of those crazy parenting storms without you. We love you, need you, and are so thankful for you and all that you are. Happy Father's Day! 

Quincy in the pool

Our swimming teacher is nothing short of amazing. She builds confidence, teaches important skills in a way my children really  grasp on, and she is REALLY REALLY super fun! Quincy is a now a brave and confident little fish who's ready to join the swim team! Way to go, sister! 

These kids are slide slipping, streamlining, ring collecting, stick diving, back stroking, underwater racing champs at the pool, now. It's wonderful! 

Corbin in the pool

Corbin is water safe! 

We had a week of swimming lessons every day, and Corbin can now confidently jump into the deep end and swim across the pool. This eliminates so much stress off my mother heart. 

Thank you Ms Donna! Congratulations, Corbin!